Record holder

Since the WNBA's inception in 1997, Andrea Stinson has started every Charlotte Sting game (220) and leads the league in total minutes played (7,177). The three-time All-Star is spending her off-season making community appearances around Charlotte and coaching at Charlotte Latin High School.

"I enjoy being able to give back," said Stinson, a 5'10'' shooting guard. "To share all I've learned from the coaches and players I've worked with."

A second-year assistant, Stinson, 36, makes sure the primary focus is not so much on winning or losing but learning the game of basketball. "High school players are young and just want to make the fancy moves," said Stinson. "You have to take your time and break things down.

"By the end of the season, I want them to have improved, to be able to go out there and do something they couldn't before," she added. "We're teaching them the skills that will get them to college. And college coaches prepare them for the WNBA."

Ironically, Stinson now finds herself competing against the products of those college programs. "Young girls are coming in and making an impact right away, taking the game to another level," said Stinson. "They're faster and quicker."

Known for her high-flying moves, Stinson hasn't conceded the court just yet. "I've gotten smarter," she said. "Younger teams have the talent but haven't developed the mental part of the game. They won't defend the full 30 seconds, or they don't get back after a basket. I'm thinking like a coach and making better decisions."

Stinson has no intention of retiring any time soon but is pleased to count Charlotte teammates Tammy Sutton-Brown and Allison Feaster as some of the league's next leaders.

"She's a great player to carry on the torch," said Stinson of Feaster. "She has the veteran mentality and the youth. She can handle it. I have faith in those who'll continue to play Charlotte basketball and uphold the name of the WNBA."

- Helen Wheelock

Copyright Ashton International Media, Inc. Dec 2003
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